Brazilian authorities have temporarily relaxed an environmental rule for the Belo Monte hydropower plant on the Xingu River. This change, in anticipation of a potentially severe, El Niño-fueled dry season, allows the dam’s operator, Norte Energia, to reduce the minimum flow in its intermediate reservoir from 300 to 100 cubic meters per second until November 30.
Regulators stated the measure aims to preserve electricity generation and water flows through the Volta Grande do Xingu, crucial for Indigenous and riverine communities. However, reduced water flow can increase the risk of poorer water quality, potentially impacting aquatic life and people downstream. Norte Energia asserts that required flow through the Volta Grande will remain unchanged and that water quality and fish movements will be monitored.
Source: Mongabay